The Car Connection Hyundai Sonata Overview

The Hyundai Sonata was thoroughly redesigned for 2015, with the most obvious changes affecting the styling, which has been toned down from the last generation. The interior is equally conservative, with an almost Germanic, geometric look taking over. Hyundai also put a big focus on powertrain efficiency.

The Sonata has continually grown larger and more refined with each successive generation. The newest version of the Sonata was launched for the 2015 model year bringing improved design and updated features as well as powertrain changes. Another update arrives for 2018 with some new styling touches and two extra forward gears for the optional turbocharged engine. The Sonata competes among some heavy hitters such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima.

For 2018, the Sonata has new looks outside and a few tweaks inside. It's more cohesive and more interesting, capitalizing on the fastback-like shape that has set the Sonata apart from some less intriguing competitors. Inside, updated infotainment systems are joined by a handful of new features, but the biggest difference is that the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine now mates to an 8-speed automatic.

The new Hyundai Sonata

In terms of performance, the carryover engines are rated lower—both the base 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-4 and the twin-scroll turbocharged, 245-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-4. But both powertrains are much smoother in their latest forms. Both were initially teamed to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual controls, but the turbo now has an 8-speed automatic. The Sonata's body's much stiffer now, and that makes it feel more settled at any speed, and allows better ride compliance.

An Eco model debuted for 2015. It pairs a smaller turbocharged 4-cylinder, displacing 1.6 liters, with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Output is 177 hp and the setup is good for 28 mpg city, 38 highway, 32 combined.

Hyundai offered the last-gen Sonata Hybrid through the 2015 model year, and introduced a new Hybrid as well as a Plug-in Hybrid based on the latest Sonata for the 2016 model year. The Hybrid is rated to return an EPA combined rating of 42 mpg, while the Plug-In Hybrid will provide a claimed 27 miles of all-electric driving when fully charged, as well as a 99 MPGe figure.

The current Sonata has earned five-star scores from federal testers, as well as "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all categories including the tough small-overlap test, earning it the agency's Top Safety Pick status. There are plenty of safety features, too, including blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, a driver knee airbag, and forward collision warning.

The Sonata also features the latest infotainment technology. Google's Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone interfaces are standard on all models. Models equipped with navigation get an 8.0-inch center touchscreen, integration with smartphone apps like Pandora and SoundHound, and HD radio functionality. Apple's Siri Eyes Free integration is also included.

Changes for 2016 include the use of several aluminum suspension components, the addition of emergency braking to the forward collision warning system, a new 7.0-inch touchscreen audio system with the Android Auto smartphone interface, and some equipment shuffling. The Limited trim also gets the Sport trim's more aggressive front bumper.

For the 2017 model year, the addition of dynamic headlights was one of few changes.

Hyundai Sonata History

The first Sonata introduced in the U.S. was actually the model's second generation, which arrived in 1989 and came with only 4-cylinder engines. A V-6 option became available for a short time on the second-generation car, before production ended at a Hyundai factory in Quebec, Canada. The third- and fourth-generation Sonata hailed from South Korean factories, and were offered with either 4- or 6-cylinder engines. The front ends of these models, sold through 2004, had sometimes garish styling that obscured the car's functional simplicity and value, and increasing reputation for reliability.

During these years, the Sonata architecture spawned two related vehicles, the Hyundai Santa Fe crossover utility vehicle and the Kia Optima sedan.

The Sonata broke into the mainstream as production moved to Alabama, beginning in 2005. With a newly styled body clean of any excessive detail, a much larger passenger cabin, and more powerful 4-cylinder and V-6 engines on board, the Sonata began to attract more attention in its very competitive class of vehicles. By the end of its run in 2010, this generation of Sonata had knocked the Toyota Camry off Consumer Reports magazine's top-recommendations list, based on its quality, reliability, and value.

In the same time frame, the Sonata architecture added another family member, the large Hyundai Azera, which is aimed more squarely at the Toyota Avalon and Buick LaCrosse.

The Sonata was completely redesigned for 2011, and won The Car Connection's inaugural Best Car To Buy award for that year. Dramatic new styling inside and out carried a "Fluidic Sculpture" theme, with the curvaceous, nicely trimmed interior especially of note compared to sometimes-plain rivals. The suspension was been tuned for more of an enthusiast feel, and a 274-hp Sonata Turbo model joined the lineup.

This Sonata earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick accolade in this generation and achieved a five-star overall rating from the federal government.

EPA highway ratings rated up to 35 mpg for the base model, while a Sonata Hybrid, with a lithium-polymer pack and even higher ratings, was also introduced and achieved up to 40 mpg. However, the 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid was one of a set of vehicles found to have overstated fuel-economy numbers. Hyundai initially submitted figures of 35/40/37 mpg to the EPA, which allows automakers to self-certify fuel economy. On a confirmation check of several vehicles, the EPA found the Sonata Hybrid's actual tested fuel economy to be 34/39/36 mpg.

The Sonata got no significant changes for the 2012 model year, but for 2013 a few more standard features were added, with heated seats offered through more of the lineup and a panoramic sunroof available on the Sonata Limited. The Sonata also lost its base manual transmission for 2013, likely due to lack of interest.

This car has everything except a decent ride

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First of all, I love everything about this car except the ride is so stiff it is almost unbearable. I traded from an optima ex and when I test drove they didn't have any limiteds in yet so I drove an sel. This...
First of all, I love everything about this car except the ride is so stiff it is almost unbearable. I traded from an optima ex and when I test drove they didn't have any limiteds in yet so I drove an sel. This car should have had a similar ride. Not even close. I used to have a Genesis 2 door coupe and it had a better ride. I have now driven 3 other Limiteds and they all have a harsh, super noisy ride. So now I am stuck putting 700.00 worth of new tires on a brand new car to try to get a tolerable riding car. If you like a nice ride, go with the Optima! + More »

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August 28, 2017

2017 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T

I Love My Awesome 2017 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Limited

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I noticed some bias when so-called car experts/just journalists review the 2017 Hyundai Sonata. They appluad the Hyundai Azera's elegance and upclass refinement while snubbing that same touch of elegance and...
I noticed some bias when so-called car experts/just journalists review the 2017 Hyundai Sonata. They appluad the Hyundai Azera's elegance and upclass refinement while snubbing that same touch of elegance and refinement in the Hyundai Sonata as bland. I own the 2017 Hyundai Sonata 2.0 Turbo Limited; it is far from bland. It is a family car with some luxury built in, as well as a touch of sports car performance and look. Of course it is not a true sports car, it will not let you drag race and beat every vehicle on the road. The Hyundai Sonata is meant to be, and designed to be, a very nice family car. The 2.0T Limited will save you gas in eco mode and still has plenty of smooth low end torque to get on the highway with ease. The normal mode gives it more power and the sport mode really brings some real road curve hugging refinement to the twisty mountain paths. From the cavernous spacious cabin to the plethora of electronic features and real leather appointments; the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Limited is a quite, sneaky family car with enough pep and luxury to make you love driving again. Even lower trims, and the base SE model, comes with enough features to make anyone happy to own a Sonata. I love my Hyundai Sonata, it is refined, yet conservative, just like a more expensive German-style luxury car, but much more affordable and less expensive to maintain. The reliability and great unbeatable warranties are of course a plus.+ More »

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April 18, 2017

2017 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T

Great Value in a very fine road car!

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With over 32 features the overall value of the Hyundai Sonata Limited leads the pack! Great Car at a Great Price! Highly Recommended!!!